Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell get married where they met

PAGESIX.COM%2FNICKI+GOSTIN

PAGESIX.COM/NICKI GOSTIN

Christopher Risco, Staff Writer

The daughter of the late great “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin is now a married woman. On Wednesday,  she and wakeboarder Chandler Powell tied the knot in her family’s Australian zoo.

“We held a small ceremony and I married my best friend,” wrote Irwin on her Instagram. “There are no words to describe the amount of love and light in my heart right now.”

Powell shared the same sentiment on Instagram.

“Today, March 25, 2020, marks the most amazing day of my life. I married my best friend.”

Besides the location, there was another unique aspect of the wedding. No guests were in attendance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just hours after their special day, the Australian government passed a law prohibiting gatherings larger than five people at weddings. Only people who are essential to the ceremony, such as the couple, the celebrant and the witnesses can be in attendance.

“This was a very difficult decision but important to keep everyone safe. We wish all of our friends and family could have been there with us, however it’s lovely that we will be able to share photos and videos,” wrote Irwin on her Instagram.

The photos and videos from the wedding show the couple rushing to the altar, which created some controversy online. Some criticized Irwin’s party for not obeying social distancing regulations and some criticized Irwin for having a wedding at all while the world is dealing with COVID-19.

Irwin remained unbothered and left a positive message on Animal Planet’s Instagram account.

“We feel for everybody around the world during this current world crisis. These are such challenging times we’re facing right now, but we have to band together and remember that love always wins,” said Irwin in the Instagram video.

Irwin, 21, and Powell’s love story began back in 2013. Powell, 23, visited an Australian zoo and she just so happened to be his tour guide. That same day, he knew she was someone he had to stay in contact with.

“I showed up and got a tour from Bindi and just hit it off right away,” said Powell in an interview with People.com. “We haven’t looked back since.”

Two years later, after maintaining a strong friendship, the couple went public with their relationship. In July 2019, he popped the question and they became engaged.